Investment opportunities in ecotourism in Saudi Arabia and 7 sites in the Eastern Province
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing a qualitative shift in the concepts of economic investment, as attention is strongly directed towards the "green economy" as one of the main pillars for achieving the goals of Vision 2030. In this context, the ecotourism sector stands out as a soft power and a sustainable economic resource, combining the preservation of nature and the enhancement of financial returns.
Ecotourism: A growing global and local context
The Kingdom's efforts to promote ecotourism align with modern global trends that place great importance on the environment and climate. Saudi Arabia has launched pioneering initiatives such as the "Saudi Green Initiative," which aims to protect the land and nature. Investing in vegetation cover is an integral part of this system, as it extends beyond mere recreation to include raising environmental awareness and protecting the Kingdom's rich biodiversity.
In recent statements, Huda Al-Buqami, Investment Director at the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification, explained that the center is leading a broad investment movement across various regions. She noted that investment in ecotourism within vegetation areas, including national parks, forests, and rangelands, is experiencing global annual growth of around 5%, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors.
Global figures reflect the scale of opportunities
Al-Buqami cited successful global models to demonstrate the economic viability of this sector, noting that Canada generates up to $7.5 billion annually from direct tourism spending in this area. In the United States, the figure jumps to nearly $40 billion annually in the carnival and camping sector, confirming that investing in nature within strict environmental regulations yields substantial returns.
Eastern Province: A New Investment Destination
Domestically, Al-Buqami revealed promising investment opportunities in the Eastern Province, which boasts diverse terrain, beautiful beaches, and sand dunes. Investors have been invited to develop seven new eco-friendly sites in the region. These opportunities are flexible, ranging from long-term contracts of up to 25 years to short-term seasonal opportunities (3 to 6 months) that align with winter camping seasons and events, thus opening the door to a wide range of investors, from entrepreneurs to large corporations.
Geopark and unique plant diversity
As part of efforts to enhance the Kingdom's position on the global tourism map, Al-Buqami highlighted the inclusion of the "North Riyadh" and "Salma" sites in UNESCO's Global Geoparks Network. This step opens up opportunities for developing innovative tourism products that integrate geology, culture, and nature. This diversity is a major competitive advantage, especially given that the Kingdom is home to more than 2,300 plant species and boasts a varied topography encompassing plains, mountains, and coastlines.
Expected economic and environmental impact
The expansion of ecotourism projects is not solely driven by profit; it also has comprehensive developmental dimensions. These projects are expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for residents of the targeted areas, in addition to stimulating commercial activity in the governorates and villages surrounding the reserves and parks. Furthermore, organized investment ensures the protection of these areas from haphazard encroachment, as investors adhere to strict environmental standards that guarantee the sustainability of resources for future generations, thus achieving the desired balance between development and conservation.
